Sulphonated Asphalt Market

Introduction:

Sulphonated asphalt is a modified sodium sulphonated compound. It is 75% soluble in water. It is utilized as a shale stabilizer for oil- and water-based drilling fluids. It is employed as a drilling mud additive for improved functions such as prevention, lubrication, plugging, collapse, drag, restraining, and reduction. Tough and thin mud cake formed by sulphonated asphalt enhance the sidewall. It acts as a clay shale, strengthens the well walls by promoting fast sealing of cracks. Sulphonated asphalt reduces water loss during high pressure and high heating and provides superior lubricity to the solution. It is also used to prevent sticking and extends the use period for the drill. Shaletone, Stabil Hole, Barasal, Ciround Asphalt, Sur-Actantf Treated ground Asphalt, Shale Fix are key substitutes of sulphonated asphalt.

Rapid growth in drilling activities due to the surge in investments in the value chain of the oil & gas industry boosts the demand for drilling fluids and lubricants. This in turn, is anticipated to drive the sulphonated asphalt market during the forecast period.

Strict environmental regulations regarding disposal and utilization of drilling fluid can hinder the demand for sulphonated asphalt.  Furthermore, geopolitical issues in oil producing geographies are projected to hamper the market growth during the forecast period.

Global Sulphonated Asphalt Market: Segmentation

The global sulphonated asphalt market can be segmented based on product type, application, and region. In terms of product type, the market can be bifurcated into regular sulphonated asphalt and potassium sulphonated asphalt. Potassium sulphonated asphalt is resistant to temperature. It stabilizes shale formation by preventing chemical and physical disintegration of shale. Potassium sulphonated asphalt drilling fluid is an efficient alternative that can be utilized in high temperature and high pressure operations.  Hence, the potassium sulphonated asphalt segment is anticipated dominate the global market during the forecast period.

Based on application, the global market can be categorized into drilling fluid emulsifiers and drilling fluid lubricants. Rising demand of drilling fluid is projected to drive the drilling fluid emulsifiers segment, as these are extensively employed owing to their superior emulsification properties.

Global Sulphonated asphalt Market: Regional Outlook

In terms of region, the global sulphonated asphalt market can be classified into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa. Demand for sulphonated asphalt is estimated to rise significantly in emerging economies such as China and India owing to the rise in government support through subsidies for oil & gas companies for exceling the production.

Exploration of shale gas in Canada and the U.S is rising in North America. Hence, the region is anticipated to dominate the global market. The market in Latin America is projected to expand at a significant pace during the forecast period due to the rise in drilling activities in countries such as Brazil and Venezuela.

Global Sulphonated asphalt Market: Competitive Landscape

The global sulphonated asphalt market is fragmented with the presence of local and global players and local players. Key player operating in the global market are investing in research & development activities to gain competitive advantage through product innovation. Key players operation in the global market include Chevron Phillips Chemical, Schlumberger, Halliburton, Henan Xinxiang No.7 Chemical, Global Drilling Fluids and Chemicals Limited, Tianjin Summit Chemical, Minquan Dongxing Mud Material, ZORANOC, Shandong Yanggu Jiangbei Chemical, Taiqian County Hengda Chemical, Weifang Navi Trading, Hebei Linheng Biology Technology, and Xinxiang Kolanky.